Accounting and Tax Professionals Who Thrive on Being of Service

“I get my kicks out of helping entrepreneurial individuals solve the problems that keep them from breaking through to the next level.  I believe the foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love, and loyalty.”

Brian has worked as a public accounting professional since 2004.  He serves business clients in a wide range of industries, including healthcare, construction, manufacturing, service and real estate.  Additionally, Brian provides his expertise to numerous entrepreneurial and high net worth individuals in growing and maintaining their personal and business enterprises.

Career

• Staff Accountant thru Tax Principal, Wertz & Company, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, concentration in Accounting, California State University, Fullerton

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Personal

• Married to wife, Gabriela, and blessed with two daughters and a son
• Passion for music and especially guitar
• Enjoys racquetball, hiking, basketball, traveling, and reading

“I truly enjoy helping small business owners find success in their endeavors.  When I can help them weave their way through regulatory and tax entanglements, financing options, or just getting an accounting entry recorded, I know I’ve made their job a bit easier.”

Greg joined the firm in 2009 as a result of an acquisition of a local CPA practice.  He works with small and mid-sized privately held companies, providing audited and reviewed financial statements.  Additionally, he provides tax planning, compliance, and consulting services to businesses and high net worth individuals.

Career

• Practitioner in the accounting industry since 1996
• Staff Accountant, Strabala, Ramirez & Associates
• Senior Manager, Sweek Connolly & Company (Acquired by Wertz & Company in 2009)
• Principal, Wertz & Company, LLP, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting; minor in English; California State University, Fullerton
• Master of Science in Taxation, Golden Gate University, San Francisco

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Serves in a leadership capacity and as a compliance auditor for local congregations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Personal

• Married to wife, Kathy, for over 15 years. They reside in Portola Hills and are the parents of four children
• Enjoys spending time with his family, raising his children, including coaching and supporting them in various sports leagues and
  other activities
• The entire family are fans and supporters of the Cal State Fullerton baseball team

“Being primarily in the audit and attest arena, I get the experience of receiving an in-depth and first-hand look at the operations of a business. This is a viewpoint I truly enjoy as it allows me to not only determine operational compliance, but also discover areas for operational improvement within a company.”

Kyle joined Wertz & Company immediately following his graduation from California State University of Long Beach.  His interest and experience has been in the audit and attest area, utilizing his skills and experience in helping our clients with their operational control and compliance systems.

Career

• Teller, Bank of America, Long Beach
• Intern, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Long Beach
• Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant, Audit Manager, Wertz & Company, LLP Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration:  Accountancy, California State University, Long Beach

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Supports the Special Olympics through volunteer work

Personal

• Passion for staying active through racquetball, gym workouts and anything outdoors
• Enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music and following football.  Go 49ers!

“I am extremely proud to serve as a role model for fellow Filipino-Americans, demonstrating through my professional career how fulfilling it can be to follow a path paved with high standards, a strong work ethic and a devotion to serving others.”

Alman, who joined the firm in 2000, has extensive experience in sales and use tax, consolidated tax returns, multi-state taxation and representation before federal and state taxing agencies.  At Wertz & Company, he partners primarily with small and mid-sized privately held companies, as well as high net worth individuals.

Career

• Practitioner in the accounting industry since 1982
• Staff Accountant, Price Waterhouse, Newport Beach
• Senior Accountant, Corbin & Wertz, Irvine
• Tax Manager, Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A.
• Tax Manager Corbin & Wertz, Irvine (Reorganized in 2003 to form Wertz & Company, LLP)
• Principal, Wertz & Company, LLP, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• CTEC Licensed Tax Consultant
• Bachelors in Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting,
  De La Salle University

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County
• Active member of St. Kilian’s Catholic Church
• Past Vice-President, Board of Director of the Filipino-American Association of Corona
• Recipient, “Best Basketball Coach” Award (1991-1994), Inland Empire Filipino-American Basketball Tournament

Personal

• Married to Eleanor for over 10 years. Resides in Mission Viejo with one son
• Enjoys traveling, watching movies, racquetball

“I have enjoyed the variety of businesses I have consulted with through the many years of performing accounting and tax services.  I feel I have been an integral part in helping them achieve success in their companies with the best optimal tax position.  I have worked extensively with large wealthy families were I have been welcomed and appreciated like one of the family and have been referred to as one of their most trusted advisors.”

Barbara has been working in Public accounting since 1980, originally with a local CPA firm for 13 years then as a Sole Practitioner for 25 years before joining Wertz & Company, LLP in December 2018.

Career

• Staff accountant through Partner, Robert R. Redwitz & Co, 1980-1994.
• Sole Practitioner; Barbara J. Dove, CPA, Accountancy Corporation 1994-2018.
• Principal, Wertz & Company, LLP, Irvine., December 2018 through current

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Accounting, California State University, Dominguez Hills, CA

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Orange County Chapter of California Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Board of Directors Queen of Hearts Foundation
• Past Treasure and Member, Board of Directors The Prentice School for 25 years
• Supporter, Brethren Community Foundation
• Supporter, UCI Mind

Personal

• Enjoy spending time with family and friends
• Hobbies include traveling, bridge, gardening and yoga

“After twenty five years of working in the accounting and tax field I still enjoy the challenges of problem solving for individuals and small business owners.  With the constantly changing rules and regulations that must be dealt with it provides a sense of accomplishment when I can be a part of my client’s solutions.”

Denise has practiced in the public accounting profession since 1998.  Her experience includes providing clients with accounting services, tax compliance for closely-held businesses, audited and reviewed financial statements, and income tax planning.

Career

• Payroll Manager, Griswold Industries, Costa Mesa
• Accounting Manager, Ganahl Lumber, Anaheim
• Senior Accountant, Corbin & Wertz, Irvine
• Tax Manager, Wertz & Company, Irvine
• Principal, Wertz & Company, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, California State
  University, Fullerton

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Personal

• Lives in Huntington Beach, has two sons and five grandchildren
• Enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and participating in various beach community activities

“Working at local firm for over 20 years allowed me to establish wonderful relationships with both clients and team members.  Recently starting at Wertz & Co I already feel that I’ve been here much longer.   My co-workers and clients are exceptional and I appreciate the core values of this firm.”

Jean has worked in the public accounting profession for over 25 years.  Her experience includes providing clients with taxation, accounting, and consulting services for closely held businesses. Following a passion for retail she, with her husband opened a chocolate store for 5 years.  This experience provided the opportunity to see from a client’s perspective.

Career

• Partner for 5 years in local Irvine firm
• Joined Wertz & Co LLP as a Principal in February 2020

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting; California State University, Long Beach

Personal

• Enjoys traveling, good food but mostly spending time with friends and family.

“My career in the public accounting profession has been very rewarding. I have developed great relationships with clients and other professionals. I treasure the opportunities meeting and becoming acquaintance with those I have worked with. I enjoy problem solving. It gives me great satisfaction when I become my clients’ reliable resource to achieve their goals.”

Jie has practiced in the public accounting over 20 years. She serves a wide range of industries, including real estate development and management, international taxation, manufacturing, entertainment, professional services, and estate planning. Jie has years of experience in forensic accounting specializing in family law.

Career

• Tax accountant, Richard Welling & LLP, Torrance
• Forensic accountant, Gursey & Schneider LLP, Los Angeles
• Tax Manager, SingerLewak LLP, Irvine
• Senior Tax Manager, Frazer LLP, Brea
• Principal, Wertz & Co, Irvine since December 2021

Education & Credentials

• Certified Public Accountant, California
• Certified in Financial Forensics, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Master of Business in Taxation, University of Southern California
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, University of Southern California

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, California Society of Certificate Public Accountants

Personal

• Married to Joseph and resides in Friendly Hills in Whittier
• Enjoys traveling with husband and spending time with family and friends

“Over the years, I have developed long-term consultative relationships with successful entrepreneurial clients who are constantly seeking our assistance in responding to changes in the regulatory environment and identifying opportunities to operate their businesses more efficiently and profitably while reducing their overall tax burden.  It’s never boring or mundane; I’m presented with new questions or problems almost every day.  Why would I ever quit?”

Leo started his career in public accounting in 1972 after graduating from the University of Southern California. He became a partner at Sweek Connolly & Company in 1975.  After 37 years of practicing public accounting, and in accordance with his professional and personal goals, Leo joined forces with Wertz & Company by selling his practice to Wertz & Company, LLP on December 1, 2009.  Leo continues to consult with his clients to provide continuity in transitioning his clients within the firm.

Career

• Practitioner in the accounting industry since 1972
• Partner, Sweek Connolly & Company, Costa Mesa (Leo’s clients acquired by Wertz & Company in 2009)
• Wertz & Company, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
• Post graduate courses in the Masters of Science in Taxation Program, Golden Gate University, San Francisco

Professional & Community Activities

• Charter Member of the Board of the UC Irvine, Paul Merage School of Business – Center for Investment and Wealth Management
• Past Board Member and Chairman of the Board of the YMCA South
  Coast Branch
• Past Treasurer and Chairman of the Board of YMCA of Orange County

Personal

• Married to wife, Donna, for over 46 years.  They have a son, a daughter and four grandchildren
• Enjoys fishing, traveling (to great fishing spots), and spending time with grandchildren

“It gives me great satisfaction helping clients achieve their goals, solve problems and being a trusted advisor and friend.”

Mike specializes in personal financial planning, retirement planning and estate planning.  Additionally, Mike provides tax services to individuals, estates and trusts.

Career

• Practitioner in the accounting industry since 1973
• Partner, Little & Trank, CPAs and owner Michael Trank, CPA (acquired by Corbin & Wertz in 1999)
• Partner, Corbin & Wertz, Irvine (Reorganized in 2003 to form Wertz & Company, LLP)
• Director, Wertz & Company, LLP, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California (1978)
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphasis in Accounting, California State University, Long Beach
• Masters of Business Administration in Taxation, Golden Gate University, San Francisco
• Certificate of Educational Achievement in Personal Financial Planning, American Institute of CPAs
• Accredited Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) (1991)

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountant
• Member, California Society of Certified Public Accountants and CalCPA Statewide Personal Financial Planning Committee
• Member and Past President of the Orange County Estate Planning Council
• Past President and Board of Directors Member, Irvine Valley College Foundation
• Member and past Treasurer and Board of Trustee’s Member, Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot.
• Past Board of Directors Member, Families Forward

Personal

• Married to Terry for over 40 years, has 2 grown daughters.
• Enjoys acoustic guitar, hiking and outdoors activities, home coffee roasting, photography and travel

“We learn so much from our clients. It’s so humbling to hear stories from small business owners about their start, the struggles, the wins, and the legacy they’re trying to leave behind. My goal is to have quality relationships with our clients that are built on mutual trust.”

Maya has worked as a public accounting professional since 2007. She serves business clients in a wide range of industries, including investments, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, wholesale, and real estate.

Career

• Staff Accountant, Annie Chen CPA, Inc., Irvine
• Staff Accountant thru Senior Accountant, Nagano & Morita, Torrance
• Senior Accountant thru Tax Manager, Wertz & Company, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, concentration in Accounting, California State University, Fullerton

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants

Personal

• Married to husband, Rheza, and blessed with two children
• Loves cooking and baking
• Enjoys spending time with family and reading with kids

“In my career I have dedicated myself to providing top quality tax and accounting services to all of my clients.  One of my favorite parts of being an accountant is being able to help our estate and trust clients resolve issues surrounding the loss of a spouse or loved one.”

Nina has been practicing in the accounting industry since 1986.  She joined the firm as a result of the acquisition of Little & Trank, Certified Public Accountants, in Irvine.  Her experience includes income tax planning and preparation services for individuals, corporations and partnerships.  Nina also has extensive expertise in estate and trust services and devotes much of her services in this area.

Career

• Tax Accountant, Cheadle & Garrett Law Firm, Newport Beach
• Tax Specialist, Little & Trank, Irvine (Acquired by Corbin & Wertz in 1999)
• Tax Manager, Corbin & Wertz, Irvine (Reorganized in 2003 to form Wertz & Company, LLP)
• Tax Principal, Wertz & Company, LLP, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentrating in Accounting, California State University, Long Beach

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accounts
• Member, Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants

Personal

• When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my family

“I like to think that my diverse experience is truly valuable to all our clients.  I especially like digging into the nuts and bolts of client activity to assist them in understanding the dynamics of their own business.  Knowing the ups and downs is critical to grow in today’s challenging economy.”

Roger’s experience and expertise in both public accounting and corporate America make him a natural to lend his knowledge to closely held businesses and their owners.  He is in charge of managing a variety of service and professional clients and assisting their companies with monthly and year-end financial processing.

Career

• Staff Accountant, Jamieson and Watkins, CPA’s, Cypress
• Controller, Stein-Brief Group, Irvine
• Regional Controller, ARA Services Magazine and Book Division, Los Angeles
• Real Estate Sales, Redondo Beach
• CPA, Gary A. Case, CPA, Anaheim
• CPA, Nichols & Associates, CPA’s, Irvine (acquired by Corbin & Wertz in 2000)
• Principal, Corbin & Wertz, Irvine (Reorganized in 2003 to form Wertz & Company, LLP)
• Principal, Wertz & Company, LLP, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Science Administration, Concentration in Accounting and Real Estate, University of Arizona, Tucson
• Prior Real Estate Sales License (Inactive)

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest
• Fundraising, El Toro High School Aquatics Boosters, El Toro

Personal

• Married for over 25 years to my soul mate, Debbie, who has beaten cancer in recent years.  Two children, one of which is a 2011 UCLA graduate and aspiring photographer, and the other in high school
• Enjoys golf, travel (especially cruising with the family) and following the
  Pittsburgh Steelers

“I enjoy helping small business owners to achieve business success and solve their business problems. I love what I do and the highest reward for me is my client’s trust.”

Shahbaz has worked as a public accounting professional since 2014.  He serves business clients in a wide range of industries.

Career

• Staff Accountant thru Senior Staff Accountant, ZKCo, Irvine
• Senior Staff Accountant thru Tax Manager, Wertz & Company, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants

Personal

• Enjoys watching movies and biking

“I believe balance is the key in achieving success in everything you do. With balanced expertise in both tax and attest fields, I enjoy helping my clients reach their financial and operational goals in regards to tax and GAAP compliance.”

Following his graduation from the University of California San Diego, Young continued his studies to obtain the necessary units to sit for the CPA exam, which he successfully completed and passed.  He joined Wertz & Company at the start of his career focusing in the audit and attest area, but has since broadened his expertise by expanding his involvement in the area of tax compliance and financial statement analysis.

Career

• Intern at Choi, Kim & Park, LLP, San Diego
• Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant, Tax Manager, Wertz & Company

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Arts in Economics, University of California, San Diego

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountant
• Member, Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Supports Compassion and World Vision through sponsoring children

Personal

• Married and blessed with one daughter.
• Enjoys fine wine and travel with family.

“I enjoy working closely with individuals and business owners, providing peace of mind by simplifying the tax process and helping them make informed decisions that promote growth and sustainability. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a small business thrive while knowing I played a small but important role in its financial success.”

Zach has worked in public accounting since 2011, serving a wide range of industries and entity types. Primarily working with closely held businesses and high-net worth individuals, Zach also has extensive experience with trusts and estates, gifts, and non-profit organizations. Industries served include manufacturing, wholesale, retail, e-commerce, professional service, and real estate.

Career

• Staff Accountant thru Senior Tax Manager, Kiechafer Schiffer LLP, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant – State of California
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics: Emphasis in Accounting, University of California State – Santa Barbara.
  • Minor in Sports Management
• Master of Business Administration: Concentration in Finance, University of La Verne

Personal

• Enjoys spending time with his young and growing family, golfing with friends and watching the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Rams and UCLA football.

“I find fulfillment working with clients who are creating intricate estate plans to ensure that their goals and values are preserved through generations. I also enjoy supporting those going through the trust administration process while navigating the loss of a loved one – being a small light during a tough time is my ultimate goal.”

Brooke has worked in public accounting since 2018. She serves individual clients across various industries as well as families working through trust administration and estate planning matters.

Career

• Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Dallas
• Senior Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, Irvine
• Senior Accountant thru Manager, Wertz & Company, LLP, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant – State of California, State of Texas
• Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting and Bachelor of Science, Sport Management – Southern Methodist University, Dallas

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, Board of Directors, Orange Catholic Foundation
• Member, Legacy Society Advisory Committee, Segerstrom Center for the Arts
• Supporter, Cristo Rey Orange County High School
• Member, Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants

Personal

• Married to Tim since 2021 and lives in Newport Beach
• Enjoys golf, pickleball, spending time with family, and being let down by the Dallas Cowboys every season

“It’s a popular saying that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.  It has been my fortune to do exactly that.  I love helping our clients with their accounting, consulting and tax needs and to see the great results collectively achieved as we work together on their projects.”

Kristine’s background and knowledge meets the wide variety of demands by our clients in all aspects of accounting and finance.  She supports corporations, partnerships and individuals in the preparation of tax returns.  In addition, she works with numerous clients to maintain the integrity of their account information, audit their operations and trouble-shoot accounting and computer software support related problems.

Career

• Housewife and mother
• Accountant, Torre & Vellema CPA’s, Irvine
• Manager, Wertz & Company, LLP, Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, minor in Economics,
  Michigan State University
• IRS Certified Enrolled Agent
• Teaching Certificate (Music Piano) – University of Toronto

Professional & Community Activities

• Supports World Vision by sponsoring
• Actively involved in Young Life support activities
• Co-founder of Lamplighter Foundation which helps fund tuitions for foster children after they’ve left the system

Personal

• Married to George for over 40 years, with two loving children and two exceptional grandchildren
• Enjoys golf, weaving and writing.  Formerly played a lot of tennis and is the proud owner of several trophies

“I enjoy helping clients achieve accounting success by assisting when necessary and explaining complex accounting concepts in plain language.”

Lee joined Wertz & Company in 2014.  His interest and experience have been in the audit and attest area, utilizing his skills and experience in helping our clients with their operational control and compliance systems.

Career

Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant, Audit Manager, Wertz & Company, LLP Irvine

Education & Credentials

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant, State of California
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, emphasis in Accounting; California State University, Fullerton

Professional & Community Activities

• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Orange County Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants

Personal

• Enjoys playing guitar and watching Formula 1 in his off time